Mackie lose out to Aberdeen Grammar

Published:07:00Monday 14 March 2016

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On a day perfect for rugby this was most certainly a game of two halves in the Cup. Mackie fell behind very quickly to a Grammar try and this appeared to kick start the Mackie lads after a lack lustre beginning.

The game settled down into a midfield battle with both teams managing the odd break but good defence from both sides saw these off. It took some time before Mackie made their first real breakthrough with a bullish run by Ross Milne who was tackled on the Grammar 22 for him to expertly lay the ball off for the on rushing Zander Begg from Full Back position to collect the ball and score beneath the posts. The resulting conversion was easily converted by Keiran Fulton.

The game continued as before with play concentrated around the middle of the pitch with neither team using their width to any great effect. Mackie did however manage to push up field and were on the Grammar 5m line when a defending deliberate knock on resulted in a quick tap for Lee Robertson to score in the corner amid much confusion in the Grammar ranks. The touch line conversion was missed on this occasion.

Half time - Mackie U16 12 v 5 Aberdeen Grammar U16

Mackie were struggling for numbers with only two subs benched, both of which had seen action in the first half due to various knocks and bumps. On the other hand Grammar had umpteen players to call upon and this is what ultimately swung the game in Grammar’s favour. Fresh legs on the grammar team game out and immediately set about disrupting the Mackie pack to great effect. It resulted in Grammar scoring 4 tries, 3 of which they converted.

Full time - Mackie U16 12 v 31 Aberdeen Grammar U16

Setting the end result aside the performance of the Mackie team was greatly improved from their last league encounter against Grammar. The first half showing was possible one of the strongest team efforts of the season, with a few players returning from injury and still a few out its understandable that Mackie were not at full strength. The U16 team now drop to the Shield completion with the fixture to be advised as soon as other results are known.